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Art & Culture

Culture and art is many things and at Tales you find a wide selection of art and culture books. If you enjoy a trip to the museum or an evening at the theatre this is the place for you. If you are more into architecture or a well written song, fear not you also find books about that. Lastly design and fashion is also part of our art and culture selection, so what are you waiting for? Set your inner creativity free and get inspired by some of the world’s best artists, musicians, designers or architects.
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  • Save 23%
    by Belen Castello
    £34.49

    50 Ways to Cycle the World is the ultimate visual guide and encyclopaedia to travelling by bicycle, with advice, stories, and photographs gathered from over 70 cyclists from 22 countries.

  • Save 21%
    - The Catalog of Producers, Prices, Models, and Specifications
    by Peter Braun
    £22.99

    The essential guide for the collector of mechanical wristwatches, with complete information on over 1,400 models from some 130 international brands.

  • Save 11%
    - Poetry, Journals, Transcripts, and Lyrics
    by Jim Morrison
    £39.99

    NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERThe definitive anthology of Jim Morrison''s writings with rare photographs and numerous handwritten excerpts of unpublished and published poetry and lyrics from his 28 privately held notebooks.You can also hear Jim Morrison’s final poetry recording, now available for the first time, on the CD or digital audio edition of this book, at the Village Recorder in West Los Angeles on his twenty-seventh birthday, December 8, 1970. The audio book also includes performances by Patti Smith, Oliver Ray, Liz Phair, Tom Robbins, and others reading Morrison’s work. Created in collaboration with Jim Morrison’s estate and inspired by a posthumously discovered list entitled “Plan for Book,” The Collected Works of Jim Morrison is an almost 600-page anthology of the writings of the late poet and iconic Doors’ front man. This landmark publication is the definitive opus of Morrison’s creative output—and the book he intended to publish. Throughout, a compelling mix of 160 visual components accompanies the text, which includes numerous excerpts from his 28 privately held notebooks—all written in his own hand and published here for the first time—as well as an array of personal images and commentary on the work by Morrison himself.  This oversized, beautifully produced collectible volume contains a wealth of new material—poetry, writings, lyrics, and audio transcripts of Morrison reading his work. Not only the most comprehensive book of Morrison’s work ever published, it is immersive, giving readers insight to the creative process of and offering access to the musings and observations of an artist whom the poet Michael McClure called “one of the finest, clearest spirits of our times.”  This remarkable collector’s item includes: Foreword by Tom Robbins; introduction and notes by editor Frank Lisciandro that provide insight to the work; prologue by Anne Morrison ChewningPublished and unpublished work and a vast selection of notebook writings The transcript, the only photographs in existence, and production notes of Morrison’s last poetry recording on his twenty-seventh birthday The Paris notebook, possibly Morrison’s final journal, reproduced at full reading sizeExcerpts from notebooks kept during his 1970 Miami trialThe shooting script and gorgeous color stills from the never-released film HWYComplete published and unpublished song lyrics accompanied by numerous drafts in Morrison’s handEpilogue: “As I Look Back”: a compelling autobiography in poem form Family photographs as well as images of Morrison during his years as a performer

  • Save 23%
    by the Netherlands, Rem Koolhaas, Wageningen University, et al.
    £15.49

    From animals to robotization, climate change to migration, Rem Koolhaas presents a new collaborative project exploring how countryside everywhere is transforming beyond recognition. The official companion to the highly anticipated exhibition at New York's Guggenheim Museum, this pocketbook gathers in-depth essays spanning from Fukushima to the...

  • Save 27%
    by Amber Lewis
    £23.99

  • Save 24%
    by Steve Schapiro
    £18.99

    As special photographer on the sets and locations of Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather trilogy, Steve Schapiro witnessed legendary actors giving some of their most memorable performances. This book gathers more than 300 of Schapiro's finest photographs to take us behind the scenes of this epic cinematic saga.

  • Save 31%
    - Book + Online Video and Audio Instruction
    by Jon Chappell, Mark Phillips, Consumer Dummies, et al.
    £18.49

    Make your music come alive with this indispensable guitar guide There's no denying that guitar players have cachet. The guitar is an ever-present part of our collective musical heritage, and the sound can be sensual, aggressive, or a million things in between.

  • Save 20%
    by HANSOND
    £11.99

    Compact in format but no less magnificently endowed, The Little Big Penis Book will delight even the most hardened aficionado of the male member. No half-cocked measures here, as we celebrate the rampant hardware of 150 models from the 1940s to the '90s, including photos by Bob Mizer of AMG, David Hurles of Old Reliable, and Rip Colt of Colt...

  • Save 27%
    by Owen Edwards & Zoltan Levay
    £21.99

    Come face to face with the most breathtaking images from the Hubble Telescope, one of the greatest tools in the history of science. Gathered together to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the telescope's launch into low-earth orbit, these epic, exquisite pictures are not only visual tours de force; they have also answered some of the most...

  • Save 11%
    by Clement Cheroux
    £7.99

    From his early encounters with the Surrealists, his film work and his experiences in the Second World War, to the development of his own personal aesthetic, the concept of the decisive moment, and the foundation of Magnum Photos, Henri Cartier-Bresson's influence on the world has been profound. This book tells his life story through his images.

  • - Style to Live By
    by OH
    £6.99

    The Little Guide to Coco Chanel by Orange Hippo! is a captivating read that beautifully encapsulates the life and legacy of the fashion icon, Coco Chanel. Published in 2021 by Welbeck Publishing Group, this book delves into the fascinating world of fashion, specifically focusing on the timeless style of Coco Chanel. The author, Orange Hippo!, skillfully paints a vivid picture of Chanel's life, her rise to fame, and her influential role in shaping the fashion industry. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in fashion, history, or the inspiring life of Coco Chanel. The Little Guide to Coco Chanel is not just a book; it's a journey through the life of one of the most influential figures in the world of fashion. Grab your copy today and immerse yourself in the world of Coco Chanel, brought to you by the Welbeck Publishing Group.

  • - Screenwriting, Producing, Directing, Cinematography, Audio, & Editing
    by Blain Brown
    £36.49 - 132.99

  • Save 27%
    by Chris McDonnell
    £21.99

    The official behind-the-scenes guide to what The New Yorker calls "one of the most emotionally ambitious and goofiest series on television."

  • Save 10%
    by Dan Jones & Marina Amaral
    £8.99

    A brilliant artist, working with a bestselling historian, uses digital techniques to bring vividly to life 200 photographs of the defining events and personalities of the modern world.

  • Save 13%
    by William Leavitt & Larry Baione
    £13.99

  • Save 20%
    by Barbara Lamprecht
    £11.99

  • Save 27%
    by Mark Cousins
    £21.99

    An updated edition of the most accessible and compelling history of the cinema yet published, now also a fascinating 15-hour film documentary 'The Story of Film: An Odyssey'. Film critic, producer and presenter, Mark Cousins shows how film-makers are influenced both by the historical events of their times, and by each other. He demonstrates, for example, how Douglas Sirk's Hollywood melodramas of the 1950s influenced Rainer Werner Fassbinder's despairing visions of 1970s Germany; and how George Lucas' Star Wars epics grew out of Akira Kurosawa's The Hidden Fortress. The Story of Film is divided into three main epochs: Silent (1885-1928), Sound (1928-1990) and Digital (1990-Present), and within this structure films are discussed within chapters reflecting both the stylistic concerns of the film- makers and the political and social themes of the time. Film is an international medium, so as well as covering the great American films and film-makers, the book explores cinema in Europe, Africa, Asia, Australasia and South America, and shows how cinematic ideas and techniques cross national boundaries. Avoiding jargon and obscure critical theory, the author constantly places himself in the role of the moviegoer watching a film, and asks: 'How does a scene or a story affect us, and why?' In so doing he gets to the heart of cinematic technique, explaining how film-makers use lighting, framing, focal length and editing to create their effects. Clearly written, and illustrated with over 400 stills, including numerous sequences explaining how scenes work, The Story of Film is essential reading for both film students and the general moviegoer.

  • Save 10%
    by Bruno Munari
    £8.99

    How do we see the world around us? The Penguin on Design series includes the works of creative thinkers whose writings on art, design and the media have changed our vision forever. Bruno Munari was among the most inspirational designers of all time, described by Picasso as the new Leonardo . Munari insisted that design be beautiful, functional and accessible, and this enlightening and highly entertaining book sets out his ideas about visual, graphic and industrial design and the role it plays in the objects we use everyday. Lamps, road signs, typography, posters, children s books, advertising, cars and chairs these are just some of the subjects to which he turns his illuminating gaze.

  • Save 14%
    by Barry Green & W Timothy Gallwey
    £9.49

    The bestselling guide to improving musical performance The Inner Game of Music is the battle that all musicians have to fight against elusive opponents such as nervousness, self-doubt and fear of failure. Using the world-famous Inner Game principles, developed by bestselling author Timothy Gallwey, acclaimed musician Barry Green explains the basic principles of 'natural learning' and shows how you can apply them to reach a new level of musical application and performance. In precise, easy to understand language, Green and Gallwey explain how natural skills - such as awareness, trust and willpower - can be nurtured and enhanced. Through a series of tailored exercises The Inner Game of Music demonstrates the ways in which musicians can achieve exact intonations, artistic phrasing and improved technique. There are also chapters on ensemble playing, improvisation, composition and creativity, as well as listening skills - an essential part of the Inner Game. Following a methodology with a proven track record for generations of aspiring and professional musicians, The Inner Game of Music is invaluable to anyone seriously interested in music, and is guaranteed to deliver positive results whether you are a student, teacher, performer, or simply an appreciative listener.

  • Save 26%
    by Rihanna
    £88.49 - 599.49

    All hail Rihanna: Queen Size! The statement volume for Rihanna fans, this luxury, queen-size edition is limited to 500 copies worldwide.

  • Save 21%
    - Over 1,000 Small Inspirational Artworks
    by Rebecca Vincent
    £14.99

    Tiny Tattoos is an enchanting book by Rebecca Vincent, a renowned author in the world of art and design. Published in 2020 by the Octopus Publishing Group, this book falls under the genre of Art & Design. Tiny Tattoos takes you on a journey through the intricate world of miniature tattoos, showcasing the beauty and intricacy of these small works of art. Rebecca Vincent's profound knowledge and passion for the subject are evident throughout the book, making it a must-read for tattoo enthusiasts and artists alike. The book also serves as an excellent gift for those interested in the art of tattooing. Don't miss out on this captivating book from the Octopus Publishing Group.

  • Save 23%
    by Lynda Barry
    £15.49

    The idiosyncratic curriculum from the Professor of Interdisciplinary Creativity will teach you how to draw and write your story

  • Save 29%
    by Nintendo
    £33.99

    Take a globetrotting journey all over the world--and beyond!--with this companion art book to the hit video game for the Nintendo Switch(TM) system!In October of 2017, Super Mario Odyssey(TM) took the gaming world by storm. Now, discover the art and expertise that went into creating one of Nintendo''s best-loved games! This full-color hardcover volume clocks in at 368 pages and features concept art, preliminary sketches, and notes from the development team, plus insight into some early ideas that didn''t make it into the game itself! Explore the world of Super Mario Odyssey from every angle, including screen shots, marketing material, and more, to fully appreciate this captivating adventure

  • Save 25%
    - The History of High-End Audio Design
    by Gideon Schwartz
    £55.99

    A beyond-cool look at the world of high-end audio design for passionate collectors, obsessive audiophiles, and design fans

  • Save 24%
    by Phaidon Editors
    £37.99

    Five centuries of fascinating female creativity presented in more than 400 compelling artworks and one comprehensive volume

  • Save 10%
    by Halle Butler
    £8.99

    'Funny and infuriating, shocking, clever, and hugely entertaining' Roddy Doyle'A dark comedy of female rage' Catherine Lacey 'If you loved My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh, don't miss this' Bustle

  • Save 30%
    by Philip Jodidio
    £41.99

    Discover the world's finest crop of new homes. This dependable global digest features such talents as Shigeru Ban, MVRDV, and Marcio Kogan alongside up-and-comers like Xu Fu-Min, Vo Trong Nghia, Desai Chia, and Shunri Nishizawa. Organized by architect and brimming with crisp photography and plans, the result is a sweeping survey of the...

  • Save 27%
    by Kate Fletcher
    £21.99

    This book examines how sustainability has the potential to transform both the fashion system and the innovators who work within it. The book is organized in three parts. The first part is concerned with transforming fashion products across the garment's lifecycle and includes innovation in materials, manufacture, distribution, use, and re-use. The second part looks at ideas that are transforming the fashion system at root into something more sustainable, including new business models that reduce material output. The third section is concerned with transforming the role of fashion designers and looks to examples where the designer changes from a stylist or shaper of things into a communicator, activist or facilitator.

  • Save 20%
    by Joe Roberts
    £23.99

    Monograph of Joe Robert's latest work, including paintings, drawings, and essays.

  • Save 11%
    - Draw Every Little Creature in the Cutest Style Ever!
    by Angela Nguyen
    £7.99

    '...it is surprisingly easy and fun, suitable for all ages and levels of art experience and rather addictive.' www.myshelf.com

Culture
What defines culture you might ask? The answer is culture is what defines you. It is what makes us humans human and differentiate us from all other species on the planet. Art and culture is what we share with others, whether it is so called high culture or pop culture. High culture is typically associated with the ‘finer’, classical art forms such as opera, classical music, visual art, ballet and plays. Works that often have a certain age and artistic acknowledgement begin it, but fine culture is also sometimes seen as “high-brow” and not something everyone can understand and that’s sad, because culture and cultural books are for everyone no matter the kind. On the other end of the spectrum we have pop culture that typically is associated with more modern, popular and mainstream forms of culture. It can be pop music, cartoons or big blockbuster movies. We have cultural books from each side of the spectrum, but the best thing is that a change between the two concepts is coming and people are more open about mixing high culture and pop culture, because they are not that different at all. The most important thing about culture is that it connects us and is part of who we are. It can create communities and friendships, but also let us reflect upon ourselves. You can get wiser on that topic in some of our selection’s culture books. 

Art
In our selection you find some of the finest art books featuring some of the greatest artists in history and now. Art is a very important part of our culture. In art you have the possibility of getting engrossed in a wonderful painting, a provocative sculpture, a brilliant play or a beautiful ballet. 
In art you can get lost in the most wonderful stories and themes and identify yourself with someone who doesn’t necessarily look and act like you. By experiencing that you improve your ability of empathy. At the same time you can learn about yourself through art and art books especially when it comes to feelings that can be difficult to describe. In art the themes and problematics are universal and that’s why we feel recognized when experiencing a play, listening to a symphony, studying a great painting or reading a good art book. The art books are best enjoyed in a relaxed setting giving the art room to speak. 
Another beautiful thing about art is that it needs interpretation. When a person meets a well painted painting, a classical sculpture, or a provocative installation it makes us reflect about what it means, and what the art will tell us about society, life or yourself. Everyone can get something different out of a good artwork, because it speaks directly to you and functions as a dialog, where you will have to finish the sentence with your interpretation taking our own life and experiences into the artwork.
We also have a lot of artist books. One of the most talented and popular artists right now are the world famous Dane Vilhelm Hammershøi. Hammershøi has a very significant way of painting giving voice to the melankolic side of the world and of us humans. The painter is famous for his artworks of especially white doors in his apartment in Copenhagen. In the paintings Hammershøi plays with light and shadow in a brilliant way giving room to both sides, which also could be seen as a reflection of life that contains both. The motive also makes the art watcher wonder what is on the other side of the doors or corridors making them compose a continuation of the painting. You can read about Hammershøi in an European context in the artist book Hammershoi and Europe

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